My name is Autumn Rivers-Mercado (she/her), Substance Use Disorder Counselor at The Center. I’m excited to share that The Center is expanding our substance use support by introducing a new weekly support group, Recovery Together, and hosting Recovery Connections: Meet & Greet to share more information about our services.
LGBTQ+ people experience substance use at a rate 37% higher than the general population, often due to complex factors like discrimination, stigma, family rejection, social isolation, and barriers to affirming healthcare. Through Behavioral Health Services, The Center offers affirming Substance Use Disorder services designed specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals. These services recognize that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Every person’s relationship with substances is unique, and support should reflect individual goals, experiences, and identities.
As we expand our support groups, we invite you to find a safe space to explore your relationship with substances, connect with others, and discover the path that feels right for you.
New Recovery Group & Event
In September, we are launching a new support group to help you build meaningful connections and strengthen your substance use recovery journey. Recovery Together is a new weekly support group for LGBTQ+ community members in early or long-term recovery to share experiences and find encouragement. Beginning September 8, the group will meet every Tuesday from 5–6:30pm at The Center.
If you are interested in any of our groups or want to get more information about The Center’s Substance Use Disorder services, you are invited to Recovery Connections: Meet & Greet, an information session on Friday, August 28, from 5–6:30pm at The Center’s Library, where community members can come meet the substance use disorder team. Attendees can enjoy refreshments, learn about Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART), find out about behavioral health services available at The Center, and stay for an optional SMART Recovery meeting afterward.
Sober Curious: Ongoing Support at a New Location
In addition to our new recovery group, we will continue to offer our welcoming Sober Curious group on Thursdays from 5–6pm for anyone exploring their relationship with alcohol and substances. Please note an important update: this group will now be held at our Main Center location, not our BHS office moving forward! Whether you are cutting back, maintaining long-term sobriety, or just curious, you can find support here. Reach out to us at counseling@thecentersd.org to get connected.
Wherever you are on your journey with substance use, you do not have to navigate it alone. We are here to meet you exactly as you are. Through our upcoming meet & greet and ongoing support groups, we look forward to welcoming you into a space where you can connect, heal, and take your next steps toward a healthier relationship with substances on your own terms.